Holy Cross’ College Choir to Perform a Collaborative Piece at Mechanics Hall

The Worcester Choral Consortium will come together for their triennial collaboration to perform Maurice Duruflé’s famous Requiem, Opus No. 9 under the direction of Worcester State University Choir conductor Christie Niro. The choir from the College of the Holy Cross will perform with choirs from Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Clark University, Worcester State University and Assumption College, along with a professional orchestra. The performance will be held on April 26 at 3 p.m. at Mechanic’s Hall in Worcester, Mass.

Duruflé’s Requiem is one of the most celebrated pieces of 20th century classical music and was written for soloist, choir, organ and orchestra. Holy Cross Brooks scholar Joe Dalton ’15 says, “Even in rehearsals, it’s been incredible to hear the power and beauty of the work.” Dalton, who has been playing the trumpet for eleven years, describes the piece as a “very large undertaking,” but a rewarding and “great experience.” The triumphant piece of music about the transition between life and death incorporates elements from Gregorian chants and includes a distinguished organ part which will be played by Holy Cross organ scholar Abraham Ross ‘16.

This event, held in one of New England’s most prestigious concert halls, offers students an opportunity to come together and connect over music. “Not only has the opportunity given me the chance to sing one of the most beautiful pieces of classical music in a world-class concert hall, but it has allowed me to create a sense of community with other collegiate vocalists across the Worcester area,” says Adam Ouellet ’16 who will be singing in the chorus. “It has been a pleasure to work with my peers on such an intimate and collaborative level.”

“Whenever choral singers get a chance to perform a major choral/orchestral work, the result is always moving and perspective shifting. Being inside such an expansive and clearly-articulated vision of life and hope gets under your skin as a performer, and helps you appreciate the world differently. What I am most pleased with, though, is that the Holy Cross singers are musically and emotionally equipped to engage with this work even after a long semester of singing many different types of music,” says David Harris, director of the Holy Cross Choir and Chamber Singers.

Tickets for the performance may be purchased by calling the Mechanics Hall box office at 508-752-0888.